Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 84250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Hux, although handsome as always, was in his fatigues, having asked for the afternoon off from training to get married.
He brought no friends with him to witness our vows, and neither did I.
What we were doing was a formality. This was his solution to the problem we created, although I've never actually considered Larkin a problem.
It was the only solution Hux could see. He wasn't even on active duty yet. He had no idea where the military would station him once he was done with his training. What he did know was that he didn't want me to face parenthood alone and the military would at least handle the medical bills for the pregnancy and Larkin's birth if we were married.
The women watch the happy couple with stars and little hearts in their eyes, both the single ones and the ones who are in relationships and marriages.
The men look like deer caught in the headlights, especially with those starry-eyed women who glance in their direction.
Madison announces that the bar is open, and many of the men flock in our direction with relief on their faces.
The reception is being held in a massive tent that has industrial heaters spread about to ward off the cold threatening to come inside. There are round tables scattered around with gorgeous centerpieces and little tags with guests' names for seating. I know from the itinerary we were given that a meal will be served later and we will have help from the waitstaff to keep wine glasses topped off, but other than that, we're expected to man the bar where people will come to us rather than us roaming around like I do on my shifts at the bar.
I take orders alongside Walker. He seems to know every person who approaches even though many are new faces to me. I've been in Lindell for over three years, but I'm not a very social person. When I'm attending community events, my focus is always on making sure that Larkin is having a good time and staying safe.
"Mr. Hyde," I greet as Barrett approaches the bar.
His eyes dip to the front of my white, buttoned-down shirt, a frown forming on his lips as if he’s disappointed that my shirt is buttoned properly. I don't even put myself on display that way when working at the bar. Surely he doesn't think I'd do that at someone's wedding. I may be from out of town originally, but people have manners outside of Lindell, Texas, despite what a lot of the people who live here think.
"Barrett," Walker growls and the rumble of it makes electricity shoot up my arms.
I don't look over at the man. We've been working in companionable silence, side by side, for well over an hour and a half. For the most part, I've been able to keep images of last weekend out of my head.
"What can I get you to drink?" Walker asks.
"I'd say that my drinks are on Claire, here, but it was awful news about that settlement."
I slowly blink at the man, confused and getting angry because I'm smart enough to read between the lines.
I feel Walker's eyes heat the side of my face, but there's already a threat of tears burning my nose. I know if I look at him and see any level of sympathy or, worse yet, anger and judgment, I'd sob standing right here. Ruining Adalynn's wedding is not on my to-do list today and neither is becoming the one thing that will be talked about most by the townsfolk over coffee and scrambled eggs in the morning.
"Excuse me?" I snap, hating that I can't keep my anger under control.
"Your settlement," Barrett says, his cheeks already ruddy like he started drinking before the ceremony started, even though I haven't seen him here at the bar yet.
"The last information I have is from the meeting we had on Monday."
The man looks confused for a moment before regaining his composure.
"Well, Mrs. Kennedy, there seems to have been an oversight on my part," he says in a professional way that is a complete contradiction to how he acted only a moment ago. "It took days for the government to get back to me about Huxley Kennedy's SGLI, but it seems the man designated his money to a wombat rescue in Australia."
Walker huffs a laugh but then grows quiet when he realizes Barrett is telling the truth.
"What?" my boss growls.
"Wombats," Barrett repeats. "They're cute little things until you get them wet. Then they look like descendants of the devil."
"Wombats?" I repeat, that burn in my nose more than doubling. "He gave his money to wombats instead of making sure his daughter was taken care of?"
"I don't think that was the intention. Hux designated that payout in the case of his death the day he joined the military. I believe it was simply an oversight, not having it changed when the two of you got married."